Lee Se Young and Na In Woo are starting the new year with a heartfelt romance in the much-anticipated drama Motel California, set to premiere on January 10 as MBC’s first Friday-Saturday release of 2025.
Directed by Kim Hyung-min and written by Lee Seo-yoon, the series delves into themes of first love, reconciliation, and family ties, offering a fresh take on love stories with a nostalgic backdrop.
Motel California is adapted from the popular novel Home, Bitter Home and is expected to draw audiences with its relatable yet emotional narrative.
JANUARY 2025 KOREAN DRAMAS: “When The Stars Gossip”, “Motel California”, “Unmasked” & More
The story centers on Ji Kang-hee (Lee Se Young), a woman born and raised in a rural motel who leaves behind her first love and family to pursue her dreams as an interior designer in Seoul. Twelve years later, life brings her back to her childhood motel, Motel California, where she unexpectedly reunites with her first love, Cheon Yeon-soo (Na In Woo), now a veterinarian. What follows is a journey of healing, rediscovery, and rekindling a long-lost love.
At a press conference held in Seoul, Lee Se-young shared her excitement and nervousness about the role, calling it a perfect opportunity to showcase her growth as an actress. “I found many similarities with Kang-hee and wanted to explore how someone who grew up with a sense of lack navigates life,” she explained. She also revealed that filming required her to endure extreme weather conditions, such as wearing winter clothes during hot summer days, but noted that the experience was incredibly rewarding.
Na In Woo, who portrays Cheon Yeon-soo, described the drama as more than a simple first-love story. “It’s a drama that uses a house as a metaphor for both refuge and emotional connection. The warmth and realism of the story attracted me to this role,” he said. Na also shared insights into the challenges of portraying Yeon-soo, emphasizing the effort he put into embodying the character’s deep emotions and personal journey.
The drama features a strong supporting cast, including Choi Min-soo as Ji Chun-pil, the sensitive yet romantic father of Kang-hee, along with Kim Tae-hyung and Choi Hee-jin, who play key roles that add complexity to the love story. Kim Tae-hyung appears as Geum Seok-kyung, the wealthy heir to a luxury hotel chain, while Choi Hee-jin portrays Yoon Nan-woo, a junior veterinarian entangled in a marriage misunderstanding with Cheon Yeon-soo. Choi Hee-jin expressed her excitement about showcasing a different side of herself, describing her character as “lovely, friendly, and sociable.”
Lee Se-young, who has earned the title “MBC Goddess of Invincible Hits” for her stellar performances in dramas like The Red Sleeve and The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract, is once again expected to deliver a standout performance. Reflecting on her history with MBC, she shared, “I feel a special connection with MBC, having appeared in many of their productions since I was young. I’m grateful to work in an environment where I can continue doing what I love.”
When asked about the pressure of maintaining her streak of successful dramas, Lee Se Young emphasized her focus on the character rather than box-office success. “I’ve never been driven by ratings. My priority is always to immerse myself in my role and deliver an authentic performance,” she said. However, she did express a lighthearted wish for the drama to achieve a 10% viewer rating, promising to serve as a special DJ for Noon Song of Hope if the milestone is reached.
Na In Woo’s appearance at the press event also marked his first public engagement following his military exemption. Addressing questions about the exemption, Na expressed his regret for any misunderstandings and shared his challenges in navigating the situation. “It’s difficult to discuss personal health matters, but I wanted to be honest so people can see me for who I am,” he said, adding that he is grateful for the opportunity to work on Motel California.
Motel California is poised to capture viewers’ hearts. The drama promises to blend heartfelt romance, family dynamics, and moments of humor, making it a must-watch for fans of meaningful storytelling. Tune in to MBC on January 10 for the premiere of this heartwarming tale.
